Faith in Democracy
Franciscans are called to continuous conversion, not only to change themselves but also to be agents of change in the larger community. We read the signs of the times, critique abuses of power, and follow an ethic based on the inviolable dignity of all people, recognizing each sister and brother as a gift from God.
See below to join FAN’s work for the peaceful operation of American democracy and broad voter participation.
“Faith in Democracy” Interfaith Prayer Vigil
When: Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT
In-Person: the Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St NE, Washington DC)
Online: Livestream via FAN Youtube
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On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 3:30 pm ET / 12:30 pm PT FAN held our fourth annual Faith in Democracy Interfaith Prayer Vigil with Sojourners and Faith in Peace Concerts. This hybrid event was livestreamed and held in-person on at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St NE, Washington DC).
This powerful gathering brought together faith leaders and believers from a variety of traditions, all speaking from sacred texts that guide us to protect the rights of all and to resolve our differences without violence. In the United States, our way of doing that is through a properly functioning and fully representative democracy.
What is Faith in Democracy?
Faith in Democracy is an annual interfaith Prayer Vigil that brings people of various faiths together to pray for our nation and reflect on the sacred call to resolve differences with peace and respect. This year’s vigil, hosted in partnership with Sojourners and Faith in Peace Concerts, featured inspiring reflections from interfaith leaders grounded in sacred texts as well as music by the Washington-Douglass Chorale. Together, we lifted prayers for unity and a democracy that works for everyone.
Poll Chaplains and Poll Workers:
FAN has partnered with Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) to recruit poll chaplains. The poll chaplaincy program includes a de-escalation training and is being held outside polling places to ensure peaceful proceedings in the following 10 states: AL, AZ, FL, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, and WI. Contact mdunne@franciscanaction.org with the subject line “Interested in Poll Chaplains” to be provided with a link to sign up as a poll chaplain application for your state.
The poll workers program is available to US citizens in all 50 states. This program is more “hands-on” as poll workers will be volunteering their time inside the polling place and have civic training in addition to a FAN-provided de-escalation training. Contact gmartinez@franciscanaction.org with the subject line “Interested in Poll Working” to be provided with a poll worker application for your state.
Our network has responded enthusiastically to our calls for people of faith to do service for our democracy, which we believe will increase interfaith unity, public trust in elections, and voters’ sense of safety and joy in civic participation. We are happy to report over 175 members of the FAN network have committed to being poll chaplains and workers as of July 2024.
Events
John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action:
FAN staff joined the Washington Interfaith Staff Community’s (WISC) Faithful Democracy group to remember the anniversary of John Lewis’ passing on July 17 (pictured.) Associate of Campaigns Gabriela Martinez and summer intern Violet Apodaca joined participants in remembering his commitment to preserving Democracy and voting rights by advocating for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which is yet to be passed.

Prayer for Civility
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where uncivil words prevail, show me how to model love.
Help me remember the God-given dignity of all and invite others to do the same.
Show me how to build bridges and not walls and see first what unites us rather than how we diverge.
Let me seek to understand before asking to be understood.
Give me a listening heart filled with empathy and compassion.
May I be clear in sharing my own position and respectful and civil in describing those of others.
Let me never tolerate hateful ideas. May I invite all to charity and love.
Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy. Make me an instrument of your peace.
Amen.
(Prayer-for-Civility Inspired by Nine Rules for Civility from the Catholic Tradition, by Bishop Zubik. Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)